beneteau oceanis yacht 60

Smooth as silk, fun as hell: Oceanis Yacht 60

• April 30th, 2023
• Sailing Yacht

Sailing the flagship is always something very special. It´s (at least for me) a rare occasion and I would also say that even the skippers of Beneteau don’t get to sail the big one all too often. But sometimes, when all good things work together and luck is on your side, you get the chance. So it happened during last Boot Duesseldorf boat show that I had the pleasure to provide my competence in consulting a couple in acquiring their dream yacht: And here we are, a few months later. Sea trial!

Don´t ever buy a boat without having sailed her. That´s an advice I give all my customers and therefore, at least one good thing that came out of Covid , Beneteau provides for a permanent sea trial base in the Mediterranean – Port Ginesta some 20 minutes drive from the Spanish hot spot city of Barcelona. Dealers can book sea trials in their favourite yachts with their clients. A special service and always a great occasion. We utilize Ginesta a lot and it works for all. Here we are: The Oceanis Yacht 60 majestically moored, shiny white and brand new. Hull #4 was ready to sail – the boat is still brand new on the market.

Big ship, big easy

Being the flagship, she is of course a big yacht: Some 19 meters in length and a maximim beam of 5.25 meters, she displaces 21.7 tons of water. Quite impressive data, but compared to her predecessor, the iconic Oceanis Yacht 62 the new one is a light boat, being almost 6 tons (!) lighter. We are greeted by Yves, the Head of Beneteau Premium Service, and another skipper. As I had tested the First 44 the day before with very low winds , I was happy that today a quite nicely breeze was blowing as we readied the yacht to cast off.

With some 15 knots already in the marina, a choppy cross wind was working on the Oceanis Yacht´s 60 hull. It needs skills to maneuver a boat in winds and marinas under these conditions – and strng thrusters. The Oceanis Yacht 60 comes with a bow and stern thruster of course and those are of industrial quality. Where on smaller boats the thruster is just able to be “on” or “off”, always delivering equally (full) power, on this boat the thruster´s thrust could be regulated with the controls.

I worked the bow moorings and after Yves ordered me to have them falling, the boat was free. Quiet but steady she slowly steamed out of her berth, avoiding to getting entangled in the moorings of our neighbouring yachts. Not earing anything or feeling any vibrations from our strong engine, which is a 150 horse power Diesel by Yanmar on a shaft, the yacht left her berth. Pushing her bow around against the wind was no problem for the powerful bow thruster and off we were.

My clients absorbed this experience like a sponge, asking the crew about all the details, being excited and bristling with bright smiles. As wind increased further steaming out of the marina, I anticipated a nice sailing occasion. Readying the running rigging for hoisting the sails was a matter of minutes: As with every boat starting from 46 feet our Oceanis-fleet is conceived to be managed easily by one lone skipper. All lines are diverted aft to the four winches right in front of the wheels. Let´s go!

60 feet of convenience

This hull #4 is a sold boat already and those owners decided to have their yacht rigged with an inmast furling mainsail and an overlapping Genoa instead of the standard self-tacking jib. I am not a great fan of furling mainsails but of course I see the advantages of their utilization. People tend to think that these mainsails are easier to control and this is valid for some points (I dissent in other points). So the skippers had our yacht steered into the wind to get out the main.

I personally have a different approach to hoisting sails, especially furled ones, but as on this occasion I was only the mooring-boy, I kept quiet and watched. Of course, the canvas came out effortlessly and we´ve had the mainsail out at the first reefing point. 18 to 19 knots TWS was strong enough and since my clients don´t want to get a race yacht, that did it.

Same fort he Genoa. On this yacht the chose two surplus options for their Genoa which were interesting to see in action. At first, the furling device was electric. As the whole boat is a push-buton-sailing yacht, this is a matter of course. So by electrically unfurling and furling the Genoa sail right there at the bow again a minimum muscular effort is needed by the crew. The second option were the rewind winches. Those are capable of taking in and veering the lines. Thus, a real push-button-sailing is possible working the winches without having to touch the lines once. In theory.

The Genoa slowly unfurled and got sheeted in by the winch. I personally thought, honestly, that the money for electric bow furling and those rewind winches is a waste. Unfurling a Jib or Genoa is done by the wind, the sail will unfurl effortlessly, so no furling needed. Also, the speed of the “rewind”-setting was so slow, that I though veering by hand is much, much faster and also more precise. A wink in my client´s eye and a smile re-assured me that we thought the same.

Apart from that, what followed after the nicely white shining Hydranet-sails were out was really impressive! The yacht heeled a bit to port side and accelerated at once. As the wind was blowing strong but along the coast line, only small waves of not more than 30 centimeters could develop. She sprung to life and speed went up effortlessly. My client smiled brightly and took over the helm, holding the yacht steep upwind.

Quick sailing with a Wow!-factor

It was almost surreal, seeing the numbers on the big chart plotters and getting those in line with the sensations of our senses and the pictures we saw with our own eyes. I´d call it the “big yacht syndrome”: Our Oceanis Yacht 60 reached a speed of well over 8 knots upwind, which is darn fast for a luxury cruising yacht, but the sensations were quite the opposite, as if we wouldn´t be moving at all! Like if you drive in a really big luxury car with a strong engine (on a German Autobahn, of course) – you reach 210 km/h and it feels almost like 80 because there is no sound and the chassis is so perfect that it feels like gliding. Same here.

The speed logged was between 8 and 9 knots and we´ve heard almost nothing. The large hull ironed out any movement by the waves, gusts turned into speed rather than into more heeling and maybe due to the large hull almost no headwind reached into the cockpit (even without a sprayhood which was not installed yet) so that I felt almost surrealistic. Smooth. Calm. Yet our wake was chaotically white foaming behind. That was fun!

My client tried out the rudders. Pointing her bowsprit to the maximum until the sails started to kill and also bearing away from ideal upwind point of sail to get a feeling for the steering properties of the yacht. Later I would be doing the same when we sailed back to the marina and the couple was downstairs talking about some interior aspects. I was appalled by the fact that this almost 20 meters long yacht was as responsive as a 40-footer. Steering her with precision and quick movements on the wheel, she responded instantly and as sharp as a racer.

Bearing off to a broad reach point of sail we opened the sails a bit and she accelerated even more. It was such a fun day out sailing, a perfect occasion to showcase what this most recent design of Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini was capable of. There is this little story circulating from last year about the Oceanis Yacht 60, which I had been told by one of the guys working at the yard. When they were sailing the then brand new First 44 and Oceanis Yacht 60 from Les Sables to Cannes for the world premiere boat show, the performance 44 was in serious trouble keeping the pace of this luxury cruising yacht. This will say it all.

Well, of course, people buying such a large yacht mostly seek volume, a luxurious interior and the perfect platform to provide for a dream vacation. Sailing properties are almost always just secondary or of lesser interest. But on the other hand, “two boats are a regatta”, as we say, and having a boat that sails well cannot be wrong. I wandered around on the boat as we were gliding over the water and spent some time directly at the stern. It looked as if we were planning: The trailing edge at the ransom was so soft, no big vortexes, no loud sound – just a nice little “Swoosh”. No real planning, but an impressive proof of perfect hull design.

Unpertubed and relaxed

The biggest surprise during that sea trial on the other hand wasn´t on but under deck. All people were above talking numbers and fact. I went down because I thought there might be great shots with the nice bright sun getting reflected on the deep blue Mediterranean water surface through the large hull windows . And I was right. Awesome shots with the blue and white spray shooting along the windows. During photographing I noticed a small detail …

… there wasn´t hardly any sound! Normally, at those speeds, the sound down below is incredibly loud. Waves, the flow of the water around the hull and, when going upwind, the smashing of the bow into the waves. I love this sound, of course, as it is reassuring and calming me down. But here on the Oceanis Yacht 60 I hardly couldn´t hear anything. It was just like as if we were still moored at the pontoon. Here we have it again: The „big yacht syndrome“.

I can imagine that sailing long stretched offshore with days and nights underway, being part of the crew on this boat would be relaxing during off-time watches. After a long 4-hour watch at night, finding a good night´s sleep on the Oceanis Yacht 60 isn´t a thing: A curbed sound makes for a nice atmosphere. I never really thought about this, I realized, as all the boats I sailed intensively before were all much, much louder. Well, this is a new item to be sensitive about, I´d say.

A choice made easy

As we sailed back to the marina, Yves asked if he should get up the kite, but my clients thanked and declined: With bright smiles they had already been reassured that their signature and buying decision was absolutely right. (Although they returned for a second dash out the following day and had the pleasure to see her flying under light wind sails). A perfect day out, business-wise, for sure, but also a perfect day out watching a perfect yacht performing.

I remember sailing the predecessor of this boat, the Oceanis Yacht 62 right here in Ginesta as well. And the difference couldn´t have been starker. The big 62 was much more massive, much higher freeboard and thus created an equally safe and calm platform – but sailing wise, the contrast cannot be bigger. Compared to the old 62 the new 60 is a true performer! She sails so well that it is hard to believe that she is meant for ultra-luxurious cruising. What could this yacht be if specced with a full-batten mainsail and cruising-laminate ? Chapeau, Lorenzo and Roberto, this is an awesome boat!

Back in the berth we spend another two hours in fixing the specs and checking for dozens of details. My clients are in full swing, ready to move in and cast off. Well, one year waiting time for their own boat, which is one year of pleasant anticipation . But what we have been done for sure here in Ginesta was a solid and unchangeable statement: Their choice was absolutely the right one. The Oceanis Yacht 60 is not just a pretty nice looking boat but also a darn well performing one – for me, currently the most attractive production yacht in her class. (And I honestly would write this statement like this if she wasn´t a Beneteau as well, believe me!)

You may as well like to read these related articles:

Queen of Oceanis: The new Oceanis Yacht 60 walkthrough

Is 60 the new 40?

At the Beneteau Yard in France : Oceanis 51.1

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Oceanis Yacht 60 – new bluewater flagship

• Rupert Holmes
• March 1, 2022

The new Oceanis Yacht 60 from Beneteau is a stylish and bluewater friendly new flagship model for the French yard

Beneteau’s new flagship, the Oceanis Yacht 60, is the yard’s third model to come out of the collaboration with Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini that started with the First Yacht 53 three years ago. Their brief for the company’s third generation yacht of this size was to create a sturdy and stylish bluewater friendly vessel with a very high standard of interior finish, including plenty of solid wood joinery.

“They have given us a new way of working and a new perspective,” Beneteau’s Valentin Moreau tells me, “so this boat is very different to the smaller models in the Oceanis range and to the Oceanis Yacht 62 it replaces.”

The design philosophy follows on from that of the First Yachts 53 and the Oceanis Yachts 54, which share the same hull design. The new Oceanis Yacht 60 has proportionately slightly fuller forward sections shape, but it’s by no means extreme in that respect. As with the smaller models, whose hull was originally developed as a performance cruiser, Biscontini opted for a transom with lots of flare and low waterline beam, rather than wide stern sections with marked chines. At the same time, there is more rocker in the aft sections below the waterline.

The combined effect is to reduce wetted surface area to an extent that will markedly boost light airs performance, at the expense of a very small loss of speed when power reaching or in marginal surfing conditions.

Exterior styling is very similar to the Oceanis Yacht 54, including the standard mainsheet arch, low freeboard, low profile coach roof and a hint of reverse sheer. Yet, although hull length is 70cm less than the old 62-footer, overall interior volume remains the same and there’s more space in the owner’s suite. This was achieved in part through abandoning a completely level cabin sole throughout the boat, which wastes a lot of volume below the floor. Instead, there’s a modest step down from the saloon to the forward galley and to the aft cabins, which therefore retain good headroom despite the reduced freeboard.

These changes helped save a whopping five tonnes of weight, yet the sail area remains very similar to that of the previous model. Together with the reduced wetted service area this will transform the sailing experience.

Near level walk around deck layouts have become de rigour for many of today’s new yachts. In this case there are only two 7cm high steps between the transom and the bow, one alongside the guest cockpit and the other near the mast.

However the need for any deck work is kept to a minimum thanks to fitting Harken’s Unwind winching system as standard. This uses electric winches to both wind in and to ease a line, which means the trim of mainsail and jib can be completely controlled from the consoles at each helm station.

Much thought has gone into the ergonomics of these, with a conscious effort to ensure drivers feel protected. The steering positions are therefore inboard of a substantial coaming and benefit from large helm seats with high backrests. The 1.1 m diameter of the wheels are larger than average, but it’s still possible to reach the two pairs of coaming mounted electric winches if necessary.

Argento has also stamped his clean minimalist style on the interior, where attention to detail includes concealed lighting and switches. The saloon is full width, with lots of overhead hatches for natural light and ventilation. A big L-shaped navigation centre, with a leather designer swivelling chair, is clearly aimed at those who work from home while on board. This will be Beneteau’s first model with a full width forward galley. It offers plenty of space and was designed to maximise both stowage volumes and worktop space.

The forward owners cabin occupies a third of the length of the interior, with privacy and soundproofing prioritised. The en suite is therefore at the back of this area, against the main bulkhead, while the bed faces forward, which means it can’t be seen when the door to the galley/saloon is open. It’s a novel layout, but has obvious appeal and also provides more stowage space than conventional arrangements.

This model boat also comes with Beneteau’s Ship Control system, which has been rolled out across all models, as standard. This allows all aspects of the boat to be managed from an app or MFDs when on board, and also from home thanks to the on-board mobile data connection. It’s also available for retrofitting to existing craft.

The first Oceanis 60 is scheduled to be launched in Les Sables d’Olonne in July this year, in advance of a public launch at the Cannes boat show in September. Pricing won’t be released until then.

Oceanis Yacht 60 specifications:

LOA: 18.8m 61ft 8in Hull length: 17.64m 57ft 1in Beam: 5.3m 17ft 5in Draught: (std keel) 2.65m 8ft 4in Displacement: 21,500kg 37,400lb Price: TBA Builder: www.beneteau.com

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• Sailboat Guide

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60 is a 62 ′ 2 ″ / 19 m sailboat designed by Roberto Biscontini and built by Beneteau starting in 2022.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Interior and exterior design: Lorenzo Argento Displacement above is Lightship. Shallow keel: Draft - 2.2 m / 7.25 ft; ballast - 5,650 kg / 12,453 lbs.

Standard Sail area: • Furling mainsail: 77 m² / 829 ft² • Self-tacking jib: 62 m² / 667 ft² • Furling genoa (105 %): 75 m² / 807 ft² • Code 0: 125 m² / 1,345 ft² • Asymmetric spinnaker: 250 m² / 2,690 ft²

Performance mast: • Air draft: 26.44 m / 86.75 ft. • Performance version mainsail: 98,00 m² / 1,055 ft² • Self-tacking jib: 78 m² / 840 ft² • Furling genoa (105 %): 85 m² / 915 ft² • Code 0: 140 m² / 1,507 ft² • Asymmetric spinnaker: 270 m² / 2,906 ft² •I - 22,50 m / 73.83 ft •J - 7,02 m / 23 ft •P - 22,00 m / 72 ft •E - 7,50 m / 24.58 ft

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• Description
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• Specifications

The combination of power and elegance makes this large cruising yacht a lavish experience. By embracing a number of innovative solutions encompassing safety, luxury and performance at sea, the Oceanis 60 has a great deal to offer.

NAVAL DESIGNER  : BERRET RACOUPEAU YACHT DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGNER  : Nauta Design

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Exterior design

The hull design of the Oceanis 60 combines performance, moderate heel and safety at all times. Boasting a remarkably open deck plan, spacious cockpit and grand aft deck, large gatherings are easily accommodated.

Interior design

Ample room below deck offers the choice of a three or four cabin layout, with the optional forepeak cabin, which is separate from the main living space. Every cabin has its own private head and shower. Close attention to detail, maximum organized storage and well-lit atmosphere ensure regal comfort.

Make way for space

Under sail or at anchor, the new features of the Oceanis 60 set her apart. Boasting the most spacious cockpit ever offered on this size of cruiser and a magnificent aft deck, she makes life outdoors a real pleasure. 

Unique in its size and ‘sun-lounger’ concept, the aft deck extends outdoor life to well beyond the port and starboard helms. With integrated sun-loungers, it creates a space similar to a second cockpit. 

The clever layout of the aft cabins, with an office to starboard and V-berths, is loved by all. 

Tender locker

The transom, which doubles as a swim platform when lowered, also automatically closes over the storage space for the tender. The Highfield tender comes equipped with an inflation/deflation system.

Skipper cabin

Separate, the double skipper cabin is located to the bow of the boat.

Virtual tour

Characteristics.

Length Overall

Beam overall

Light displacement

Fuel Capacity

Water Capacity

Max. engine power

CE Certification

A12/B13/C14

• CE certification A12/B13/C14
• B&G Electronic Pack
• Solid wood cockpit table - 2 fold-down flaps - fiddles - storage trays - bottle holders - 12V socket - lamp with lampshade - switch - cover.
• Steering stations and maneuvering stations aft of cockpit. Ergonomic steering station with storage tray (option) drink holder, instrument panel (instruments on option)
• Sail drive engine
• The extension of the cockpit increase the exterior living space and creates a very convivial lounge space close to the helmsman. Upholstery dedicated to this space is available on option The storage space for the tender is located below the lounge area

• Owner cabin with large-sized island bed. Dressing table with mirror and adjoining shelves, leather storage tray (option) and mobile seat with wedge to hold it in place under sail. Large storage volumes. Guest cabin with large double berth. Spacious guest cabin with 2 single beds that can unite to for a double bed. Optional sailor cabin with bunk beds
• Practical and ergonomic galley: 2 rectangular sink with draining board for dishes - Bin with garbage chute access - Soft-closing drawer unit
• Each cabin has its ensuite bathroom with separate shower
• Welcoming salon with fold-away rotating table and removable seat in the center of the boat. Large office chart table with comfortable seat

• Two symmetrical fore cabins. Clearer and easier access due to repositioning of mast, large width doors and flush flooring. Guest cabin with large double berth. Spacious guest cabin with 2 single beds that can unite to for a double bed. Optional sailor cabin with bunk beds

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BENETEAU Yachts Rendez-vous 2019 – Sets Sail to Malta

Customer care.

Buying a BENETEAU doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We have teams of experts to guide you through the entire process – everything from sea trials, financing, and customization to after-sale commissioning, service, and maintenance. We are proud to have one of the largest, most highly-regarded dealer networks in the world. We’re ready to provide you with the assistance and expertise needed to launch you and your BENETEAU on a lifetime of happy, rewarding, and memorable voyages.

Other models in the range

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10.34 m / 33’11’’

3.65 m / 12’

Oceanis 38.1

11.8 m / 38’9’’

3.99 m / 13’1’’

12.43 m / 40’9’’

4.2 m / 13’9’’

Oceanis 35.1

13.1 m / 42’12’’

4.12 m / 13’6’’

11.48 m / 37’8’’

3.92 m / 12’10’’

14.4 m / 47’3’’

4.25 m / 13’11’’

13.94 m / 45’9’’

4.5 m / 14’9’’

11.15 m / 36’7’’

14.6 m / 47’11’’

4.74 m / 15’7’’

OCEANIS 50 NEW

16.78 m / 55’1’’

4.96 m / 16’3’’

16.7 m / 54’9"

4.9 m / 16’1’’

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